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If you’re in the South like us, chances are you might be messaging your photographer about bridals! Did you know bridal sessions, or bridal portraits, originated in the early 20th century when professional wedding photography became popular? Brides would have formal studio portraits taken in their wedding gowns before or after the ceremony to commemorate the dress and the occasion. Over time, these sessions evolved into styled outdoor or on-location shoots, allowing brides to capture their beauty, personality, and the intricate details of their gown in a more relaxed and artistic way. From timing and location to posing and details, let’s get into all those tips & tricks.
Why Bridal Sessions Are Popular
Bridal sessions, also called bridal portraits, are the perfect way to capture the beauty and excitement of your wedding journey. They allow brides to showcase their gown, accessories, and personality in a relaxed setting before the big day: this means having photos of you printed on your actual wedding reception! One of the best parts of bridals is using the day as a mock test: how did your hair and makeup do? Did your dress hold up? How can we arrange a few details better to make sure wedding day is perfect? Whether you’re planning your bridal photos or looking for photographer tips, these bridal session ideas and tricks will help make sure we’ve got you all covered!
1. Perfect Timing for Bridal Photos
Lighting is one of the most important elements of bridal photography. If you’re hoping to schedule your session outside, I always recommend golden hour—either early morning or late near sunset—when sunlight is soft and flattering. This avoids harsh shadows and highlights the intricate details of your dress and veil, and it also allows flexibility of taking photos anywhere and everywhere. It’s not uncommon to have bridals near the middle of the day, however, so with some planning, we can definitely make anything work!
2. Choosing the Right Location for Bridals
The setting of your bridal session should and can really enhance your style, gown, and the overall feel of your photos. Popular locations include:
- Your Wedding Venue
- Botanical gardens
- Historic landmarks or buildings
- Rustic barns or farmhouses
- Outdoor landscapes
I will always say, pick what feels the most you! And think about what will feel right blending in with wedding day as well.
3. Hair, Makeup, and Dress Tips
For your professional bridal portraits, consider hiring a hair and makeup artist or doing your hair & makeup trial on the same day! All of those minimal adjustments will make your features pop on camera, and booking your trial the same day means you will really get a perfect trial on how you’ll look on wedding morning. Also consider:
- Steam or press your gown before the session
- Pack a garment bag for transportation
- Clean any shoes or nails for those flawless detail shots
- Cleaning you ring in case it has gotten dirty!
4. Personal Touches to Make Your Session Unique
Incorporate meaningful items, like heirloom jewelry, a family veil, or a special letter from your partner. Personal touches make your bridal session distinct and tell your wedding story through images.
5. Don’t Forget the Details
We’ll get shot of your:
- Dress lace and buttons
- Bouquet and floral arrangement
- Rings and accessories
These add depth and elegance to your bridal gallery. Detail shots often become favorites in your final collection!
6. Relax and Enjoy Your Bridal Session
The best bridal portraits capture genuine emotion. Trust your photographer, have fun, and let all that excitement come out with us. We’ll direct you the whole way and make the session fun: they always go by so much faster than you’d expect! We’ll celebrate you, your wedding journey, and have a good time along the way.
Final Thoughts on Bridal Photography
Bridal sessions are more than just photos—they’re a keepsake that allow testing and feeling perfect on wedding day. By choosing the right timing, location, and posing strategies with your photographer, your bridal session will produce those relaxed, stunning, timeless portraits to look through for decades to come.
